Tuesday, February 25, 2014

God's Rest Is Still Available

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. (Heb 4:1-2)

After making this digression to scare them, and to cause them to look forward to the hope given them, [the writer] gives attention to the rest bringing out that in times past the inspired David foretold it to us. David promised us, he is saying, that there is a different rest, so let us be keen to attain it so as not suffer a fate similar to theirs. Hearing the words does not suffice for salvation. Accepting it in faith is necessary, and holding it firm. After all, what benefit was God’s promise to those who received it, but did not receive it faithfully, trust in the power of God, or, as it were, associate closely with God’s words?